Meet the person
behind the planning.

Hello, I’m Nydia.

My journey in hospitality and tourism spans almost three decades, but if I’m honest, I think the seeds of African Gypsy were planted long before I ever entered the industry.

I grew up in Proteadorp, in the beautiful coastal town of Kleinmond, surrounded by the everyday stories, traditions, resilience and warmth of ordinary people. It taught me something that I have carried throughout my life: you don’t have to travel far to discover something extraordinary. Sometimes, the most beautiful stories are right on your doorstep — in the people, the places and the communities we call home.

Why African Gypsy?

The name brings together two things that have always been part of who I am — my gypsy soul, with its endless curiosity and love for adventure, and my deep-rooted love for Africa. This continent is so much more than its breathtaking landscapes and beautiful destinations. It is its people, its heritage, its diversity, its creativity and the countless stories waiting to be discovered.

That love became African Gypsy.

But as my journey in tourism evolved, I began to see that I wanted to build something that went beyond simply taking people to beautiful places or sharing beautiful products with the world.

I wanted to create something that meant something.

As a 100% Black Female-Owned business, African Gypsy was born from a desire to connect people, open doors and create opportunities — particularly for women and communities that are so often overlooked.

I believe that behind every meaningful travel experience is the possibility of making a genuine connection — one that benefits not only the visitor, but also the community opening its doors and sharing its world.

This is especially close to my heart because I know that extraordinary people and untold stories exist in communities like the one I grew up in. Sometimes, all that is needed is an opportunity for the world to see their value.

For me, this is what tourism should be about.

I am still that girl from Proteadorp who loves people, loves Africa and is endlessly curious about the world. My experiences have shaped me, but my belief in the power of people has never changed.

Today, through African Gypsy, I have the privilege of bringing all those pieces of myself together — my experience in hospitality, my passion for travel, my love for African creativity and my commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for others.

We are not simply in the business of travel, curios and experiences. We are in the business of connecting hearts, sharing stories and creating opportunities that matter.

Nydia Carelse · Founder, African Gypsy